Cayman Islands Overview

Population:  Cayman Islands: 43,103

Capital city: George Town on Grand Cayman

Time Zone: U.S. eastern standard time is in effect year-round; daylight saving time is not observed.

Location: Caribbean, island group in Caribbean Sea, nearly one-half of the way from Cuba to Honduras.

Land Area:

• total: 262 sq km
• land: 262 sq km
• water: 0 sq km

When to visit:  mid-December to mid-April winter is the peak tourist season, when rates are substantially higher and beaches and lodgings more crowded, it's best to go in the summer. There is more rain in summer, but it tends to come in downpours that clear as quickly as they arrive.

Currency: Although the American dollar is accepted everywhere, you'll save money if you go to the bank and exchange U.S. dollars for Cayman Island (CI) dollars.

Taxes: At large hotels, a service charge is generally included and can be anywhere from 6% to 10%; smaller establishments and some villas and condos leave tipping up to you. There is a 10% government tax added at all accommodations and a departure tax that must be paid when leaving the country. Otherwise, there is no tax on goods or services.

Tipping: Although tipping is customary at restaurants, some automatically include 15% on the bill, so check it carefully. Taxi drivers expect a 10%-15% tip.

Electricity: 110 volts AC 60 cycles, so American and Canadian appliances will not need adapters or transformers.

Getting Around: By Bicycle, Motorcycle, or Scooter: When renting a motor scooter or bicycle, remember to drive on the left : and wear sunblock. Bicycles can be rented by the day as can scooters.

By Car: The Cayman Islands are relatively flat and fairly easy to negotiate if you're careful in traffic. Just remember driving is on the left, so when pulling out into traffic, look to your right. A good road network connects the coastal towns of all three main islands.

Road Conditions: Island roads are often potholed, bumpy, and narrow. Drive with extreme caution, especially if you venture out at night. You won't see guardrails on every hill and curve, although the drops can be frighteningly steep, and pedestrians and livestock often share the roadway with vehicles.

By Air: The main island of Grand Cayman is connected to Cayman Brac by internal flights run by Cayman Airways and Island Air and to Little Cayman by Island Air only. Island Air also operates a service between Cayman Brac and Little Cayman.

By Bus: Public minibuses operate from George Town to West Bay every 15 minutes, to Bodden Town every 30 minutes and to East End and North Side every hour The bus terminal is located opposite the public library on Edward Street in central George Town. Service is normally from 0600-2300 until midnight on weekends for most routes. There are 38 minibuses operated by 24 licensed operators. Routes are color coded with colors marked on the front and rear of the buses. Public buses have blue license plates and standard fares are displayed inside.

By Taxi: There are large fleets of taxis.